5. Writing Classes

Class

A blueprint for an object, where the name should reflect its purpose and variables are declared at the top.

Method

A group of code that performs a specific task, including accessor and mutator methods.

Accessor Methods

Methods that allow access to object data, like getters returning specific data.

toString()

Method returning object information as a string, useful for object representation.

Mutator Methods

Also known as setter methods, used to modify object data.

Static Variables & Methods

Belong to the class itself, accessible without an object, and cannot access instance variables.

Scope

Local scope restricts variable use to a method, while global scope allows access throughout the class.

.this keyword

Refers to the same instance variable within a class.

Algorithm

A step-by-step procedure or set of rules for solving a specific problem or task.